Atypical carcinoid of the larynx and potential complications of the carcinoid syndrome: a case report

Ear Nose Throat J. 2009 Jan;88(1):E1.

Abstract

A 47-year-old man with a history of allergic rhinitis presented with a several-month history of nasal symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He also had clinical depression, for which he had been taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). During evaluation, flexible laryngoscopy incidentally detected a left interarytenoid polyp. Biopsy identified the lesion as a moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. In addition to conducting a metastatic workup, we determined that it was necessary to evaluate the functional status of the tumor prior to excision because the SSRI could precipitate a carcinoid syndrome. We discuss the characteristics and management of different neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx, and we review the potential complications of the carcinoid syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoid Tumor / complications
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Laryngoscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / etiology*
  • Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome